History is written by the victors and the Equestrians excel at winning. Far to the south of Equestria in the Badlands, the region that separates the Equestrian frontier and the unknown lands of the long forgotten Humans, lies an ancient citadel of knowledge. Generations of magic, both well versed and obscure, holy and ghastly. Its reinforced walls still stand though the tomes and coveted secrets were purged after years of warfare, degradation and abandonment. Despite the armies, bands and packs who tried to finish what the Equestrians started none were able to breach the gates of the Lost Archive. None aside from the few faithful to the old ruler and Lord Hierophant have ever entered. His reign was cut short because of the same people who gave it to him and his followers, though misguided and few in number, would see fit to restoring his former glory even if it's more myth then legend.

Current cover art by Echira Sorin.

For hundreds of years humanity had been fighting a losing war. Outnumbered and out maneuvered they looked for a way out of the war as quickly as possible with as few causalities as they could. They found their answer: Project SKIRMISH. Now, centuries since the end of the First Contact War, Humanity is nearing the seat of the galactic throne. With new found allies, resources and technology humanity has all but pushed back the alien invaders, cured all illnesses and plagues, tripled human life spans and are always looking to the horizon.

After a fleet of Frigates are destroyed in an unexplored system only a handful of Pilots are left. With no other options they are forced to land on an unknown world and quickly form alliances, or fight for survival with their limited resources and technology.

Alicorns. Everypony sees them as the embodiment of all that is righteous. They think they are the sun, moon or even magic incarnate. They're wrong, Alicorns were never meant to rule. They were meant to protect and guide. Their lust for power was their downfall and almost caused the destruction of Athernael. That is why I live alone, that is why I am at peace; for I can do no harm to this scarred world. If only the other Immortals saw things like I did...Now eons later I sense something that should be impossible. A new Alicorn has been born.